'The Red Dance' by Anne Sexton

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There was a girl
who danced in the city that night,
that April 22nd,
all along the Charles River.
It was as if one hundred men were watching
or do I mean the one hundred eyes of God?
The yellow patches in the sycamores
glowed like miniature flashlights.
The shadows, the skin of them
were ice cubes that flashed
from the red dress to the roof.
Mile by mile along the Charles she danced
past the benches of lovers,
past the dogs pissing on the benches.
She had on a red, red dress
and there was a small rain
and she lifted her face to it
and thought it part of the river.
And cars and trucks went by
on Memorial Drive.
And the Harvard students in the brick
hallowed houses studied Sappho in cement rooms.
And this Sappho danced on the grass.
and danced and danced and danced.
It was a death dance.
The Larz Anderson bridge wore its lights
and many cars went by,
and a few students strolling under
their Coop umbrellas.
And a black man who asked this Sappho the time,
the time, as if her watch spoke.
Words were turning into grease,
and she said, "Why do you lie to me?"
And the waters of the Charles were beautiful,
sticking out in many colored tongues
and this strange Sappho knew she would enter the lights
and be lit by them and sink into them.
And how the end would come -
it had been foretold to her -
she would aspirate swallowing a fish,
going down with God's first creature
dancing all the way.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Red Dance: Anne Sexton's Masterpiece

Anne Sexton's poetry has always been a subject of fascination for literary critics around the world. Her use of language, imagery, and symbolism has set her apart as one of the most unique and talented poets of her time. The Red Dance is one of her most celebrated works, and for good reason. In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore why The Red Dance is such a masterpiece of modern poetry.

Background

The Red Dance was published in Sexton's fourth book of poetry, Transformations, in 1971. Transformations is a collection of poems that reimagines classic fairy tales and myths, and The Red Dance is Sexton's retelling of the story of Little Red Riding Hood. However, like all of Sexton's works, The Red Dance is not a simple retelling. It is a complex and multi-layered exploration of sexuality, power, and identity.

Structure

The Red Dance is a fairly short poem, only 24 lines long, but it is packed with meaning and depth. The poem is written in free verse, with no strict meter or rhyme scheme. However, Sexton's use of repetition and alliteration gives the poem a musical quality that draws the reader in. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with eight lines. The first stanza sets the scene, the second introduces the characters, and the third brings the poem to its haunting conclusion.

Themes

One of the most prominent themes in The Red Dance is sexuality. Sexton's version of Little Red Riding Hood is not the innocent young girl we are used to seeing in children's stories. Instead, she is a woman who is fully aware of her own sexuality and the power it holds over men. Sexton's use of vivid and sensual language makes the sexual tension between Little Red and the wolf palpable. For example, in the second stanza, Sexton writes:

"He spoke like a big shot.
She could smell his sweat like raw onions.
She wanted to slit him up and gut him down
and leave him dead and twitching,
but she liked it,
she liked it, she liked it."

These lines are both violent and erotic, showing how Little Red's desire for the wolf is both intense and dangerous.

Another theme in The Red Dance is power. Little Red is not just a victim in this poem; she is also a predator. She plays with the wolf, leading him on and toying with him. This power dynamic is explored further in the third stanza, where Little Red ultimately triumphs over the wolf:

"She took an axe to the wolf
and chopped him up for the stew pot
and they ate him.
And Little Red Riding Hood lived
happily ever after."

This ending is both satisfying and unsettling. Little Red's victory over the wolf is a triumph of female power, but the fact that they eat him is a disturbing reminder of the violence and savagery that lies beneath the surface.

Interpretation

The Red Dance is a complex and multi-layered poem that can be interpreted in many different ways. One interpretation is that it is a feminist reimagining of the Little Red Riding Hood story. In this interpretation, Little Red is not a victim but a strong and powerful woman who takes control of her own sexuality and uses it to her advantage. The wolf, on the other hand, represents the patriarchy and male dominance, which Little Red ultimately triumphs over.

Another interpretation is that The Red Dance is a commentary on the dangers of desire and temptation. Little Red is drawn to the wolf despite knowing the danger he poses. Her desire for him is both thrilling and terrifying, and ultimately leads to her own destruction. In this interpretation, the wolf represents the dark and dangerous side of desire, which can lead us down a path of destruction.

Conclusion

In conclusion, The Red Dance is a masterpiece of modern poetry that explores complex themes of sexuality, power, and identity. Anne Sexton's use of language, imagery, and symbolism is masterful, and the poem's structure and musical quality make it a joy to read. While there are many different interpretations of The Red Dance, one thing is clear: it is a powerful and haunting work that will continue to captivate readers for generations to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Red Dance by Anne Sexton is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the themes of love, passion, and death. This classic piece of poetry is a perfect example of Sexton's unique style, which combines vivid imagery, raw emotion, and a deep understanding of the human condition.

The poem begins with a description of a red dress, which is worn by the speaker's lover as they dance together. The dress is described as "a red wind / that dances in the night," and it is clear that it represents the passion and intensity of their relationship. The speaker is clearly deeply in love with their partner, and the dance is a symbol of their connection and the intensity of their emotions.

As the poem progresses, the imagery becomes more intense and vivid. The red dress is described as "a red flame / that burns in the night," and the dance becomes more frenzied and wild. The speaker describes their lover as "a red bird / that flies in the night," and it is clear that they are completely consumed by their passion.

However, as the poem reaches its climax, the tone shifts dramatically. The speaker describes their lover as "a red death / that walks in the night," and it becomes clear that their passion has become dangerous and destructive. The dance becomes more violent, and the imagery becomes more disturbing. The speaker describes their lover as "a red knife / that cuts in the night," and it is clear that their relationship has become a source of pain and suffering.

The final lines of the poem are particularly powerful. The speaker describes their lover as "a red wound / that bleeds in the night," and it is clear that their passion has become a source of pain and suffering. The poem ends with the haunting image of the red dress lying on the floor, a symbol of the destruction that has been wrought by their love.

Overall, The Red Dance is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the themes of love, passion, and death. Sexton's use of vivid imagery and raw emotion creates a powerful and unforgettable portrait of a relationship that has become destructive and dangerous. The poem is a testament to Sexton's unique style and her ability to capture the complexities of the human experience in her writing.

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